Wheaton to hold craft and food fair

On Oct. 2, during the Wheaton City Council's regularly scheduled meeting, aldermen voted to hold a craft and food fair before the city's annual Christmas parade on Dec. 8.

The Wheaton Christmas Craft and Food Fair will be held in the Wheaton City Park and at the Wheaton Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Vendors, which can be individuals or organizations, are invited to offer crafts and all types of foods during the event. Ethnic foods will be featured at the event.

Booth space will be offered outdoors under a tent in the city park at a cost of $10. Vendors will be required to provide their own tables.

Indoor booth space will be offered inside the community building at a cost of $35. Tables will be provided for indoor booths.

Individuals or groups interested in reserving a booth for the event, are invited to call the Wheaton City Hall at 417-652- 3314.

The aldermen also voted to place a five-eighth of a cent sales tax on the April 2013 ballot. If approved, the increase in revenue will be used for street improvements.

Council plans to apply for phase three transportation enhancement grant funding, which could provide up to $300,000 in revenue for a sidewalk improvement project. If grant funding is received, the city plans to construct a sidewalk that begins at the Wheaton Preschool, travels along Highway W to Reasor south to Carnes and then west to the Wheaton Post Office.

In other business, the Wheaton City Council:

* Voted to renew the lease agreement for the community building. The city leases the facility at a cost of $10,000 per year.

* Held a discussion regarding winterization of the community building. Mayor Donnie Powell plans to obtain price information for wainscoting for the building.

* Voted to purchase lighting, lead cords and brackets to build 10 snowflakes for light poles located in the city. If the city is able to sell half of the old light pole Christmas decorations it will purchase 10 additional snowflakes.

* Discussed hiring a new employee to work with Jerry McBride, public works.